This textbook, which is used at the California College of Ayurveda and in Schools of Ayurveda across the country, was written by Dr. Marc Halpern, Ayurvedic Doctor, over a course of 30+ years. His book has been praised for how clear and inspiring his writing is, and how even the most complex subjects are communicated in a manner that is easily understood by the student. This textbook covers the depth of Ayurvedic history, philosophy, and mythology as well as the Ayurvedic understanding of anatomy and physiology, disease and pathology, psychology, daily and seasonal rhythms, and dietary therapy. The text also introduces the reader to herbology, color, sound, and touch therapies. The textbook culminates with an in-depth look at panchakarma, the Ayurvedic process of purifying the body. This is the first of his five textbooks, utilized at the California College of Ayurveda, to be released. This textbook is used in the first course all students of Ayurveda attend at the College whether they plan on becoming Ayurvedic Health Counselors, Ayurvedic Yoga Therapists, Clinical Ayurvedic Specialists, or Ayurvedic Doctors.